Metal analysis and cytogenotoxicity assessment of the Jacuí River Delta water, Rio Grande do Sul

Abstract

The Jacuí River Delta is impacted by industrial, urban and agricultural activities. In this context, the aim of the study was to evaluate the presence of metals and the cytogenotoxicity of water at two points in the Jacuí Delta. Water samples were collected in two different periods at two points located on Ilha do Pavão. The analyzed metals were aluminum, cadmium, lead, copper, total chromium, manganese, nickel and zinc. Cytogenotoxicity was evaluated in Allium cepa root cells, after exposure of the bulbs to water samples and negative control for 48h. The metals detected were aluminum and cadmium in concentrations above the limit, and zinc in accordance with legislation. Mitotic index and micronucleus frequency in onion cells showed no significant differences between treatments. A significant increase in the frequency of chromosomal abnormalities was observed in onions exposed to one of the water samples. The results suggest permanent water contamination by aluminum, temporal variation for cadmium and spatial variation for zinc as well as spatio-temporal variation in the genotoxic contamination of water from the Jacuí Delta in the region of Ilha do Pavão.